“Encourage, empower, and embrace the youth.”
Nancy Redd’s talent lies in creating and discussing the stories that no one else is telling. She’s a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, born and raised in Martinsville, Virginia. “I still consider it home, even though 14 years ago, I moved to Los Angeles to support my husband, Rupak Ginn’s, acting career,” she explains. “It was a great decision, but I missed my mommy every single day!” After earning an honors degree in women’s studies from Harvard and being crowned Miss Virginia 2003, Nancy set out to change young women’s lives through her writing and her ability to tackle the hard topics with finesse.
She’s a writer and an on-air TV host. Nancy finds fulfillment in her writing and in her job as an on-air TV host. She says “doing the work is exhilarating.” Nancy has earned many accolades over the years, to include an NAACP Image Award nomination, two Mom’s Choice Awards, and a nomination for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding digital journalism.
Her first children’s book, Bedtime Bonnet, comes out April 2020 via Random House. “Bedtime Bonnet is the first-ever children’s book to celebrate durags, wave caps, bonnets, wraps, and other black hair nighttime rituals,” Nancy explains. Nancy says the book is the first of its kind and will revolutionize the conversation about black hair care. The story surrounds a little girl and her family’s nighttime hair routine. “Readers get a heartwarming peek into quintessential black nighttime hair traditions and a celebration of the love between all the members of this close-knit multi-generational family,” she says. Bedtime Bonnet was inspired by Nancy’s struggle to find adequate hair care resources as she introduced her daughter to using a bonnet for her nighttime routine. “It’s adorable,” Nancy says with enthusiasm.
In the upcoming year, Nancy is looking to expand her influence with new on-air opportunities. Nancy also plans on releasing at least two more books in 2021 and collaborating on a few projects with her husband. You’ll get to see Rupak in Tracee Ellis Ross’s upcoming film, COVERS. His recent screenwriting award from Harvardwood has allowed new and exciting opportunities for both of them. “It’s always fun (and prudent) to diversify in this industry,” Nancy says. “We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to do so.”
To learn more about Nancy and purchase her books, visit her website nancyredd.com or follow her on Facebook @nancyredd, Instagram @nancyredd, and Twitter @nancyredd.
